'emaciate' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'emaciatus,' where 'e-' meant 'out' and 'macies' meant 'leanness.'

'emaciatus' transformed into the Late Latin word 'emaciāre,' and eventually became the modern English word 'emaciate' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to make lean or thin,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.